Cincinnati is Dusty's town - Reds hire Baker

CINCINNATI (AP) - By hiring Dusty Baker as their next manager, the Cincinnati Reds have made a pronounced change in philosophy, turning to an outsider to run the team for the first time in 18 years.

The last time they did it, they won a championship.

The Reds confirmed yesterday that Baker will become their next manager. Baker has a three-year deal and will be introduced at a news conference today in Cincinnati.

During his 14 seasons as manager, the 58-year-old Baker led San Francisco to the World Series and the Chicago Cubs to the playoffs.

The last time the Reds hired a manager with no ties to the organization was 1990, when Lou Piniella took over and led the team to a World Series championship.

Every manager since has either come from the minors, the coaching staff or from a scouting/advisory role.

Baker replaces interim manager Pete Mackanin, who was considered for the full-time job. Mackanin was the team's advance scout when Jerry Narron was fired in July, and led the Reds to a 41-39 record the rest of the way.

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